The event is known for attracting high quality speakers to share knowledge and insight with attendees into the realms of rum production, expert tasting and evaluation, international marketing, rum cocktails and more.

Rum Renaissance Seminars

Two seminar classrooms at the Grand Tasting Event can accommodate about 80 participants each. Reserved seating is available for $20 at the festival, or $15 in advance.

Celebrating ten years, the Rum Renaissance Festival is poised to be bigger and better than ever with a new location on the water in Ft. Lauderdale.

The move from Miami-Dade County to Broward County offers a more convenient centralized location for residents of the eighth-most populated metropolitan area in the nation, currently surpassing six million people.

South Florida is the number one rum market in the world. It’s also the gateway to the Caribbean, Central and South American regions, where more than 90% of the rum available in the United States is produced.

The event takes place in Barcelona, Spain on the last two days of October: the 30th and 31st. Among the featured sections are the Tasting Tunnel, The Showcase Hall and the Distributor Pool. Master classes, seminars, guest bartenders and keynote speakers deliver valuable knowledge and inspiration for all who attend this grand tasting event.

Barcelona Rum Awards

Abbreviated as the BRAwards, the program brings together respected rum judges from around the world to evaluate and recognize the best rums in each category submitted to the competition.

The well known international and independent jurists reflecting a wide range of expertise in the spirits industry include Alexandre Vingtier, writer specialized in rum; Benoît Bail Founder of La Confrerie du Rhum and Managing Partner at The Rum Embassy; Jean-Paul Bouyat, President of Bardinet; Jerry Gitany, co-founder of La Cofrerie du Rhum; Oriol Elías, consultant and bartender and Barcelona’s leading rum expert; Robert Burr, founder of the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and leader of the International Rum Expert Panel; and Santiago Bronchales, oenologist, spirits consultant and founder of Blended & Matured. Continue reading

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The annual celebration of cane spirits and global gathering of rum experts in South Florida — Miami Rum Fest and Trade Expo — returns to the DoubleTree Miami Airport Hotel and Convention Center for the weekend of April 22-23, 2017 from 1 to 6pm. Continue reading

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Attendees of the Miami Rum Festival and Trade Expo might be sampling some cocktails of a different ilk at the Cannabis Cocktails Seminar.

Warren Bobrow, mixologist, chef, and writer known as the Cocktail Whisperer is a freelance mixologist specializing in Craft Spirits and the implementation of specialty bar, cocktail and ice programs. Among his most popular books is “Cannabis Cocktails, Mocktails and Tonics.” Continue reading

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Ohana means “family” in Hawaiian. The concept behind Ohana, Luau by the Sea is for Tiki Family to come together with a purpose and have serious fun once a year at a seaside gathering.

Ohana: Luau By The Sea is a big weekend gathering and celebration of tiki cocktails and Polynesian culture hosted by the Fraternal Order of the Moai (FOM) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the first weekend of October.

The Fraternal Order of the Moai Foundation donates all profits to their designated charity: the Easter Island Foundation. The National Fellowship of local chapters is proud to support multiple scholarships administered by the EIF.

Luau By The Sea

Luau by the Sea is a global gathering in Ft. Lauderdale during the first weekend of October organized by the Fraternal Order of the Moai. For those coming in from out of town early, Ohana Luau by the Sea kicks off with a trip to the Planeboat once owned by Howard Hughes — a Ft. Lauderdale oddity — on Thursday, September 29 from 1 to 4 pm.

Floating in the Ft. Lauderdale Intercoastal Waterway, take a tour with Medusirena, the Fire Eating Mermaid and enjoy complimentary classic cocktails for this extra special event. A separate ticket is required which includes transportation to and from the host hotel.

Ohana Vice Party

Later on Thursday evening (September 29) everyone convenes for the “Ohana Vice Party” in the appropriately named Aqua and Terra Ballrooms at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Ft. Lauderdale 17th Street, the host hotel for the event. Here you will find incredible look-alike to James “Sonny” Crockett and Ricardo “Rico” Tubbs of Miami Vice. Show off your costume and blend in to this themed evening to get the Luau by the Sea party started. Pusser’s Navy Rum is awarding prizes for the best costumes.

Friday Seminars

On Friday, September 30, registration opens at 11am. Begin your day by attending four seminars throughout the afternoon.

Howard Huges’ Stratoliner Planeboat, a brief history

Learn more about this local oddity and cultural icon from hosts David Drimmer and Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid.

Bitters and Tinctures

Join Ayme Harrison of Kreepy Tiki as she takes you on an exploration of Bitters and Tinctures for your cocktails. This seminar is both a presentation and a hands-on class. There is an optional Bitters Kit for sale that includes everything you need to make your own bitters.

Tiki by the Numbers

Explore the great variety of flavors of tiki cocktails deconstructed by the Gumbo Limbo Chapter of the FOM. We’ve all seen tiki bar menus that read as though every drink is “a blend of rums and tropical juices.” This interactive seminar will help you visualize and taste the different ranges of the tiki trinity (sour, sweet, and strong), with extra attention to the flavors that come from different styles of rum.

Tropical Fusion

Polynesian Gods, Barrels of Rum, Rogues, Scoundrels and Geniuses. Join writer and seminar host Paul Senft for his discussion about the history of rum and its part in the evolution of the Tiki movement and the people behind it.

Friday Grand Luau Feast

At 6:45pm Friday evening the Grand Luau begins in the Grand Salon of the Embassy Suites where guests will enjoy a wonderful Floribbean/Hawaiian theme feast with lots of wonderful entertainment. Rocking the Luau by the Sea for the second year with their unique combination of surf, exotica and Hot Rod music.

Come see why 9th Wave is called the “Official Band of Ohana!” The Aloha Islanders will perform a high-energy and authentic Polynesian show that is an action packed non-stop revue of dances from Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, and New Zealand.

Roy and Malia Anderson of Ronin Taiko combine elements of Japanese instruments, Tiki-exotica music, and theatre to create a unique Pan Pacific experience. And Nani Maka and Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid will be dancing together on the Ohana Stage.

Saturday, The Rumporium

On Saturday, October 1, the Rumporium will open at 12 noon along with all the great Luau by the Sea Tiki Vendors. Enjoy sipping and learning about some great rums while you shop for your favorite Tiki souvenir. And don’t forget to bid on some wonderful items in the Silent Auction and support the Scholarships for the Easter Island Foundation.

Try your rum knowledge at the Great Rum Challenge sponsored by Rob’s Rum Guide and the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. If you can correctly identify all the rums in this blind tasting, you win a ticket to the festival April 22-23, 2017. Learn how to play the Ukulele with Tony Baloney at 1pm.

Tiki Mission to the Mai Kai

At 5pm the Mai Kai opens and everyone will make their way to Happy Hour at the Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant’s Molokai Bar where special drinks will be available for the Ohana crowd. At 7:30pm Ohana Dinner seating begins. Everyone will enjoy their spectacular evening together watching the Mai Kai’s incredible Polynesian Show.

Sunday at Kreepy Tiki

On Sunday, October 2, everyone meets at the Kreepy Tiki Lounge, before departing, for the Hair of the Dog, Car and Bike Show, hosted by the Gumbo Limbo Chapter. The Kreepy Tiki is on the way to the Ft. Lauderdale airport.

Tickets and Reservations

Your $95 ticket includes the seminars, the Luau Dinner, the Aloha Islanders, the Taiko drumming by Roy and Malia, the Pretty Allrights on Ukulele, the totally awesome 9th Wave, the Rumporium, the Ohana Marketplace, and the Ohana Silent Auction which benefits the E.I.F. for the weekend.

Second, call the Mai Kai and make your reservations for dinner on Saturday at 954-563-3272 and tell them you want to join Ohana for dinner on Saturday, October 1. Please reserve your space at the first dinner seating.

Third, call the Embassy Suites and book a room in the heart of the action. They are pet friendly, if you want to bring along fido. Call 954-527-2700 or visit the hotel web site.

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The Plantation rum team based in Cognac, France, lead by master blender Alexandre Gabriel, recently revealed the results of a clandestine project.

The unveiling occurred during a tasting event at the annual Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans.

Plantation Old Fashioned Traditional Dark (O.F.T.D.) aged rum is a high proof expression developed in collaboration with leading rum experts.

This surreptitious collaboration with noted rum cocktail luminaries lead to the development of Plantation’s newest expression: O.F.T.D. (Old Fashioned Traditional Dark) aged rum. The new offering blends exquisite aged marques from Guyana, Jamaica and Barbados.

This dark colored overproof rum, bottled at 69% alcohol by volume (138 proof), will be available in a one liter bottles for a suggested retail price of $31.99. It’s expected to reach retail shelves in the U.S. in September 2016.

The Tradition

This is not the first time Plantation revealed a secret rum project at the annual Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans. In 2014, a limited edition Pineapple rum was circulated among an elite cadre of rum professionals. The reaction was quick and intensely successful. The rum later went into full production to acclaimed success.

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American Rums highlighted in international cocktail seminar

The New American Rum Revolution has arrived. The 2016 Tales Of The Cocktail convention in new Orleans will present a seminar hosted by the editors of Robs Rum Guide featuring great American rum producers.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar at the 2016 Tales of the Cocktail convention in New Orleans will be hosted by the editors of Robs Rum Guide.

The 90 minute program is designed to provide a perspective on American rum’s past, present and future. The seminar will share insight from some of the most successful American rum producers.

“In the past few years, more national, regional and local rum distillers are gaining well-deserved attention. Many making their mark as true artisan spirits by winning awards and setting new standards for authentic, hand-made rum,” said Robert A. Burr, publisher of Robs Rum Guide. “It’s nothing short of a rum revolution. It’s changing the American rum industry, bringing back the art of craft distilling. It’s presenting American rum in a most favorable light. We’re emphasizing the quality aspects of small production.”

American Rum History

Before the American revolution, more than 8,000 distilleries in the American colonies were producing rum. A plentiful supply of molasses was available through trade with Caribbean islands. Most ceased production by the time prohibition decimated the American spirits industry.

“It’s nothing short of a rum revolution — presenting American rum in a most favorable light by emphasizing the quality aspects of small production.”

According to the editors of Robs Rum Guide, the number of distilleries now producing rum in the United States is growing at a incredible rate. The trend is igniting what what can only be described as a new American rum revolution.

The New American Rum Revolution Has Arrived

The rum renaissance has sparked a tasting seminar at the upcoming Tales Of The Cocktail festival in New Orleans in July where bartenders and professionals in the spirits trade gather to learn more about their industry.

Among the seminar panelists are Trey Litel of Louisiana Spirits (Bayou Rum), Bob Gunter of the Koloa Rum Company and Steven Gubb of Paradise Imports (Gubba Rum). Robert V. Burr will lead an informative and entertaining sampling of notable American rums. His presentation will contain details about each of the producers’ unique qualities.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar features notable expressions from American producers.

The New American Rum Revolution seminar takes place in New Orleans at 3:30pm on Wednesday, July 20 at the Fleur de Lis Suite of the Royal Sonesta Hotel on Bourbon Street. For information about this global gathering of the spirits industry, or tickets for this seminar, visit the Tales Of The Cocktail web site. https://talesofthecocktail.com/

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The Rum Renaissance Caribbean Cruise is coming. A seven day holiday cruise through the Eastern Caribbean, featuring VIP tours of rum distilleries along the way, is set to sail from Puerto Rico on Saturday, November 19.

VIP Rum Distillery Tours

Robert A. Burr and his wife Robin will lead the land tours in St. Maarten, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados, visiting rum shops, rum tasting rooms and distilleries.

The group will depart Puerto Rico on the Royal Caribbean Adventure of the Seas on a seven night cruise in search of Caribbean rum. The cruise returns to San Juan on Saturday, November 26. Guests will enjoy Thanksgiving Day in Barbados with specially planned events and a fabulous holiday meal.

The cost of VIP distillery tours with transportation is $300 per person, in addition to the cost of the cruise. The official travel agent coordinating the rum cruise is Deb Fogarty of Be Well Travel in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

The Ultimate Adventure For Rum Enthusiasts

“Rum enthusiasts and their friends will especially enjoy this unique opportunity to learn more about their favorite Caribbean spirits. These are exclusive guided tours by some of the most knowledgeable people in the world of rum,” said Ms. Fogarty. “We are privileged to offer a holiday cruise itinerary that combines all the luxuries of this modern ship with rare VIP access. You’ll love these special tours and fine rum tastings at these iconic distilleries and rum shops along the way.”

“It’s a rum lover’s dream come true: setting sail through the Eastern Caribbean on a holiday adventure to discover how great rum is produced, aged and blended.”

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The addition of a VIP Tasting Bar offering select luxury, vintage and limited edition rums will offer a new level of excitement for serious rum enthusiasts at the 2016 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and International Trade Expo. The annual event, said to be the world’s largest gathering of rum experts, professionals and consumers, is scheduled for April 15-17, 2016 at the DoubleTree Hilton Miami Airport Convention Center.

Miami Rum Festival and Trade Expo host Robert Burr today announced the addition of the VIP Tasting Bar at this popular rum event, featuring a selection of outstanding samples from his private collection.

“We want to share with rum fest participants some of the most interesting and exquisite rums that we’ve collected from our travels around the world. This is a splendid opportunity for rum enthusiasts to better understand and appreciate these limited edition, vintage and rare collectibles,” said Robert Burr, author of Rob’s Rum Guide, the National Rum Examiner blog and the Rum Minute YouTube channel.

The addition of the new luxury VIP Rum Tasting Bar at the annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival and International Trade Expo allows rum enthusiasts to discover the world’s best rums.

The VIP Tasting Bar will be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Rum Fest weekend from 1 to 6pm.

Both Robert Burr and his son Rob V. Burr will be on hand at the VIP Tasting Bar to share their knowledge and passion for these select expressions of the world’s best rums.

“In the course of publishing Rob’s Rum Guide and reporting for the National Rum Examiner, we are privileged to visit most of the great rum distilleries in the world,” said Rob. V. Burr. “Along the way, we’re collecting some very special bottles that represent the incredible range of high quality rums from Barbados and Jamaica to Guatemala and Panama; from Nicaragua and Haiti to Martinique and Guadeloupe; from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico to Venezuela and Guyana — and beyond. We invite our rum loving friends to stop by the VIP Tasting Bar to share some of our passion — as well as a taste of these fine rums.”

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Sharing tasty food and fine drinks with good friends is a fundamental requisite for any good game day gathering. Set the tone for the big event with The Rumming Back, a delicious seasonal libation that echoes the mood of the day.

Method: Add the rum and cider to your favorite beer mug. Fill the mug with your favorite beer. Repeat as necessary. Garnishes are out of bounds for this drink.

The tropical tones of the rum bring fun and sun to a cold weather day, while the apple cider evokes long standing traditions of American culture, history and simple pleasures. Your favorite beer adds effervescence, while infusing the cocktail with the refreshing feeling of game day spirit, of sharing good times with good friends.

Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Rum is a delicious way to evoke that barefoot, sand-in-your-toes feeling in your favorite libations. Developed by country legend Kenny Chesney, the brand has quickly become a standard bearer for the easy-going, fun-loving lifestyle that Americans enjoy.

At the beginning of his performances, Chesney asks his audience to let his music take them to a special, carefree place for a bit of relaxation and fun. With Blue Chair Bay Rum, he is extending a similar invitation for those that wish to enjoy good times at home with good friends.

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The Flavor Of Rum is the theme of the 2016 St. Croix Rum Festival to be held at the historical Fort Frederik in Frederiksted, St. Croix U.S. Virgin Islands on May 29 of this year, from 3pm to midnight.

The St. Croix Rum Festival “Flavor of Rum” is scheduled for May 29 in the U.S. Virgin Islands, featuring a tasting of fine rum, as well as music and island cultural activities.

The event overlooks the magnificent backdrop of the Ann E. Abramson Marine Facility, the main cruise ship port in St. Croix, nearby to Frederiksted Beach.

Since the early 1800s, St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been producing some of the world’s most notable rums, including the popular Cruzan brand.

In addition to many fine rum samples to taste, the festival features the best local food from some of St. Croix’s finest cooks and restaurants, with live music from local and international entertainers, a Bikini Contest, a BBQ Rum Contest and a Flair Bartender Show Competition. Also on hand will be artists displaying handmade crafts — a celebration of Virgin Islands’ unique lifestyle and culture.

According to event promoter Mr. George Moore, “the St. Croix Rum Festival is about the celebration and appreciation of numerous rums — a treat for both tourists and locals.”

In addition to the Sunday rum festival, a schedule of St. Croix tours on Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28 will be offered to participants.

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The ShowRum Tasting Competition awards were announced as the annual ShowRum Italian Rum Festival in Rome concluded on Monday, September 29, 2015.

The 2015 ShowRum Italian Rum Festival held in Rome included the ShowRum Tasting Competition organized by Leonardo Pinto.

With two days of rum tasting for the public, and a third day just for the trade, this rum themed event drew large crowds of rum enthusiasts and spirit professionals. More than 130 rums were showcased in 30 exhibits, with a host of master classes and special events offered throughout the weekend.

The winners of the international ShowRum Tasting Competition, judged by a panel of rum experts from around the globe, have just been announced.

This was the fifth annual event for show organizers Leonardo Pinto and Alessandra Penteriani. “We’re very happy with the response from our friends that love rum, want to learn more about rum and want to experience the best rums in the world,” said Leonardo.

Among the brands exhibiting were Bacardi of Puerto Rico, Havana Club of Cuba, Abuelo of Panama, Angostura of Trinidad, Appleton of Jamaica, Arcane of Mauritius, Beach House Spiced Rum, Brugal of Dominican Republic, Damoiseau of Guadeloupe, Debonaire of Dominican Republic, Dictador of Colombia, Dillon of Martinique, Don Papa of the Philippines, Diplomatico of Venezuela, Doorly’s of Barbados, El Dorado of Guyana, Flor de Caña of Nicaragua, Hampden Estate and J Wray of Jamaica, La Mauny of Martinique, Rum Malecon of Panama, Ron Malteco of Guatemala, Nine Leaves of Japan, Ocumare of Venezuela, Rons de Venezuela, Rum Fire of Jamaica, Sagatiba of Brazil, Santa Teresa of Venezuela, Trois Riveres of Martinique, Veroes of Venezuela and Wray & Nephew of Jamaica.

Ohana: Luau By The Sea is a big weekend gathering and celebration of tiki cocktails and Polynesian culture hosted by the Fraternal Order of the Moai (FOM) in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the first weekend of October.

The FOM is the premier fraternal organization and social network for all men and women interested in tiki culture and the Polynesian pop era. Famous for the annual “Ohana: Lua On The Lake” summer event at The Tiki Resort on Lake George in upstate New York, these perennial party people are setting their sights on creating this new tiki-tastic event in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on the first weekend of October.

In Hawaiian culture, Ohana means family in an extended sense of the term, including blood-related, adoptive or intentional.

Ohana: Luau by the Sea is a three-day charity event held in several locations in and around Fort Lauderdale for the great Moai tiki family to meet and enjoy quality time together. Locations include Kreepy Tiki rum bar, the famed Mai Kai Polynesian restaurant and the grand Ohana Luau located at the Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port Hotel.

If you enjoy classic tiki cocktails done the right way, live music, tiki vendors, great food, custom tiki carvings, poolside fun in the sun and a live Polynesian show, set your sails for Ft. Lauderdale on the first weekend in October.

The Ohana Luau by the Sea Kick-Off Party kicks off Thursday, October 1st at 7pm at the Kreepy Tiki Lounge, voted one of the best Tiki Bars in the US by Traveler Magazine. The theme of the party is Circus Sideshow and the bands and drinks will give new meaning to “The Greatest Show on Earth!”

Friday at the host hotel, the team from Miami Rum Festival will host the Great Rum Challenge, beginning with a short presentation on how to taste rum followed by a blind tasting competition to test the skills of participants. In the Rum Room, sponsor brands will showcase their products as brand owners are on hand to share their stories face to face.

Friday evening features a fabulous gathering at the World-Famous Mai Kai Polynesian Restaurant and Bar starting with a special happy hour for Ohana from 7 to 9pm in both the Molokai Lounge and on the Lanai, with bus transportation. The evening progresses with dinner and a show by the Polynesian Islanders Review, the world’s longest running show of its kind. After dinner and stroll through the gardens there will be even more entertainment in the Molokai Lounge and on the Lanai.

Saturday guests will enjoy shopping for treasures in the Ohana Marketplace, enjoy some pool-side games, fresh music, pop-up bars serving delicious cocktails and several tasting events by sponsoring rum brands and organizations. And then…Saturday night is the grand Ohana Luau, a magical evening including dinner and dancing, with four great bands. All of your fun tiki friends will be there — both old and new.

For more information and to secure your tickets before they’re sold out, visit the web site for Ohana: Luau By The Sea.